Page 18 of My Cowboy Salvation
As if sensing my trepidation, Hope adds, “Verona is really a big ole’ sweetie. You’ll be fine. Can Verona and I squeeze you in on Saturday morning?”
I look at the horse and April, both seeming to wait for my response. I would hardly be setting a good example if I let my fear get the better of me, so I nod reluctantly. “All right. You win. I guess I’m riding on Saturday.”
Hope grins. “Speaking of Saturday, are you going to the Harvest Festival?”
“Oh. Um… I haven’t really thought about it.” I vaguely remember seeing the flyer on the community board.
“You have to go. It’s a whole town event. There are pie-eating contests, games, piglet wrestling, and lots and lots of food. At the end of the night, there’ll even be music and dancing. It’s a big party. And I happen to know we have some pretty good bands lined up to participate.”
“We?”
“I’m on the planning committee. So I would take it as a personal affront if you didn’t come. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Her eyes take on a sly gleam. “Logan’s going to be there.”
I hadn’t asked, but now that she’s mentioned it, I’m curious. “Yeah, but probably more in an official capacity as the town’s police chief.”
“Not exactly. He’ll be acting in more of an honorary judge. You would be surprised at how popular he is in town. Last year our entries shot up thirty percent when he was confirmed as a judge, and his year they shot up another ten percent.”
“Just because he’s a judge?”
“A judge who several single women in this county would like to see in a less professional capacity. And what better way than to show him some of what they can offer? Oh, not to mention the fact he announces and hands out the awards to the winners.”
Of course he would be popular. He’s gorgeous, built, and has an air of broody mystery and authority surrounding him. “Yeah, I kind of saw that when some woman named Mariah dropped off a casserole for him on Sunday. She seemed less than excited to see me there.”
She laughs. “Yeah, Mariah is one of his most persistent admirers.”
“Does he date a lot, then?” I ask, trying not to act too eager.
“The first few months he dated a little here and there, but he saw how complicated that could get living in a small, gossipy town like Castle Falls. He’s kept a low dating profile since.”
That makes me happier than I have any right to be. I mean, Logan is an amazing guy and he should be with someone who sees that. He deserves to be happy. I just want that person he’s happiest with to be me.
Was that even possible? Up until last night, I would have probably said no. But now…
“I take it from that starry-eyed look on your face you’re not immune to the chief’s prowess, either?” Hope asks, not pulling her gaze from April.
“Oh. We’re really just friends.” Heat scorches my cheeks, mortified she can sense my interest in the guy. I’d be even more mortified if she knew how my friendship with Logan came about. The whole high school sweethearts thing… with hisson.
From the wily grin on Hope’s face, she’s not buying my response, but with her young charge, she’s not at liberty to press me further, thank God.
“Okay, April. You ready to head out on the trail today? Or did you want to stick with the obstacle course?” Hope asks, referring to the cones and flags she’s set up on the other end of the pasture.
“Trail,” April says without hesitation.
“Good choice.” Hope waves to me. “See you tomorrow, Dylan.”
I wave back and watch them as they lead the horse onto the trail before heading home.
* * *
Logan
It’s nearlysix Thursday evening when I pull into the driveway. I meant what I said to Dylan last night. I’m not going to leave her alone to deal with her monsters any more than I have to, starting with cutting my long evening hours.
Besides, I’m too eager to show her what I’ve brought to put it off any longer. Opening the trunk, I grab the gift and carry it inside. The front room is empty, and I head to the couch to lay it down.
“I wish I’d known you were going to get home so early,” Dylan says behind me, coming down the stairs. “I would have made us something for dinner.”
I turn around, and for a second my breath hitches at the vision walking toward me. Don’t get me wrong, Dylan has an understated beauty that hits me in the chest every time I see her, but tonight it hits different now that I’ve tasted her full, raspberry-colored lips and felt her body clench around my hand. But there’s something more.
